An event that uses the thrill of seeing emergency vehicles up close for kids as a means of building relationships and learning about the people that use them has been planned.  St. Louis County has plans for their first-ever Kids, Cops and Cars event - happening Thursday, May 12.

The family-fun event will happen between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM at the new Iron Trails Motors Event Center in Virginia.  That building is located at 821 South 9th Avenue in Virginia on the Iron Range but is open and free to anyone and everyone to attend.

Approximately ten different law enforcement agencies will be on hand during the event to allow that up-close-and-personal look at the squad vehicles they use to keep the community safe.  Participants will be able to meet with local law enforcement officers, see those emergency vehicles, watch various demonstrations - including demos from law enforcement K-9's.

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In addition, kids will get some free stuff, too.  Goodie bags and cotton candy will be handed out while supplies last.

Organizers hope everyone sees the benefit of what the event has to offer.  Deputy Brock Kick with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office explains:

"We see this as an opportunity to have some fun and build relationships.  Kids love climbing in cars and seeing what K-9's can do, and our hope is to turn this into an annual celebration in this part of the country."

These sort of kids and emergency vehicle events have been held in Duluth and Superior, but this is a first for the Iron Range.

The May 12 event is planned to be held outdoors at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in the parking lot.  Organizers say that the event will go on rain or shine.

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